policies

Uncollected Child Policy and Procedure The procedure for the collection of your child will form part of our mutually agreed contract. Please be reassured that if a situation occurs where you are unable to collect your child on time, their safety and wellbeing will remain our priority until you arrive or alternative arrangements can be made. It is therefore important that your list of contact details, alternative contacts and telephone numbers is kept up to date. We will only ever release your child to you as parents/carers and other adults for whom we have written permission to collect your child. In the case of an emergency, we would ask that you provide the collecting adult and us with a password so that we can establish their identity. If we are in any doubt, we will not allow your child to be released until we have clarification. We do understand that there are occasionally situations that may mean you are unable to collect your child on time. In this circumstance we would ask that you ring us as soon as possible to let us know that you may be late so that we can plan for this and reassure your child with confidence. A late collection fee may apply, as documented on the fees information you have been provided with. If we have not heard from you and more than 30 minutes has elapsed after our mutually agreed collection time, we will attempt to make contact with you. If we are unable to reach you, we will try the other emergency contacts you have provided us with and will continue to do so for a period of up to 2 hours. During this time your child will remain in our care and if appropriate a meal will be provided. If 2 hours or more have elapsed after our mutually agreed collection time and we have not managed to make contact with you or any of the emergency contacts you have provided, we will contact the local Children’s Services, Social Care department for advice. We will follow the advice provided by them and make records of our actions in this situation. Please note that this could mean that your child is placed with an emergency alternative carer. However, we will if necessary seek permission for your child to remain in our care overnight or until appropriate alternative arrangements can be made. We would be much happier for your child to remain with an adult they already know and trust, particularly as this situation could be distressing for them. ​